Background on Chinatown Gentrification

For the past few years New York City has been one of the most popular destination spots for immigrants to live and work. Specifically, over the past few years there has been an increase of Asian Americans coming into New York City and fulfilling the labor work for many low income jobs. Ever since the Chinese Exclusion Act was lifted from the 1960s, Asians were able to enter the United States and create a community for their own, Chinatown. Chinatown has made itself a reputation for being the neighborhood to house long time immigrants and welcome new immigrants into the country to give everyone a place to work and live. It is evident the community is filled with vibrant culture brought by waves of immigrants. At first glance, the immense amount of Asian businesses and culture may make many believe that the neighborhood is immune to gentrification. However, as new development arises in the area, residents are noticing that the property value of Chinatown is rising and becoming a neighborhood that is housing more affluent members. Therefore, despite the thought that Chinatown is immune to gentrification, the current zoning laws that allow for unregulated development have caused the displacement of long time immigrant families and decreased affordable housing for newer immigrants in order to attract wealthier residents to occupy the neighborhood. 

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